Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love—but scammers know emotions can run high. Here are a few common Valentine’s Day scams and how to protect yourself.
Gift Card Scams Scammers may pose as loved ones or businesses and urgently ask for gift cards. Tip: Treat gift cards like cash—never share codes or send them to unverified contacts.
Fake Florists & Online Shopping Scams Some fake websites advertise flowers, gifts, or jewelry but never deliver. Tip: Shop with reputable retailers, read reviews, and use secure payment methods.
Dating App & Subscription Scams Scammers may request “verification” or premium fees to continue conversations. Tip: Only pay through official app stores and watch for unexpected charges.
Charity Scams with a Love Twist Fraudsters may ask for donations in someone’s honor. Tip: Verify charities before giving through trusted directories or official websites.
Tips from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
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Be careful what you post publicly online. Scammers use details shared online to better understand and target you and could eventually use that information against you.
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Always assume con artists are trolling even the most reputable dating and social media sites.
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Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere, or flagged by others as suspicious.
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Go slowly and ask lots of questions.
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Do not share sensitive personal information, such as a social security number, home address, passwords, or financial account information.
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Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from family and friends. Never leave a dating or social media site to talk on an encrypted messaging platform.
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Do not provide compromising photos or any financial information if requested as that could later be used to extort you.
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Beware if the individual promises to meet in person, then always comes up with an excuse why they can’t.
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Never, ever send money, gift cards, gold bars, or cryptocurrency to someone you have never met in person, or give those items to a courier sent to retrieve them from you. Call a family member, friend, or law enforcement before sending any of these items.
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If you are planning to meet your online companion in person, meet in a public place and let someone know where you will be and when you are expected to be home.
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If you are traveling to a foreign country to meet the person you met online, check the State Department’s Travel Advisories beforehand (http://travel.state.gov), provide your itinerary to family and friends, and do not travel alone if possible.
